Kenan Sofuoglu Feeling Confident In France
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010World Supersport championship leader, Kenan Sofuoglu, set the second fastest time in today’s opening qualifying session for Sunday’s championship decider at Magny-Cours in France.
The Turkish ace was less than one tenth of a second behind pace setter, Katsuaki Fujiwara today, but is confident that a small change in the set up of his Honda CBR600RR will enable him to leap-frog the Japanese rider tomorrow.
Sofuoglu has a lead of 16 points over Honda-mounted Eugene Laverty as the pair, who have battled closely throughout the year, head into the final race of the season at the 4.411km Magny-Cours circuit in central France. Laverty was fifth fastest today.
Sofuoglu’s Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate, Michele Pirro, winner of the penultimate race at Imola in Italy last Sunday, set the seventh fastest lap this afternoon. However, the Italian is also confident of an improvement in his machine’s set up at Magny-Cours in tomorrow’s practice and qualifying sessions.
Kenan Sofuoglu – P2 1m41.949s
Yes, it was not bad today. Still we are searching for a better set up on the bike, so I can’t say that we are happy. There is a bit of a problem with the rear but we already see what the problem is so we will change the balance of the bike for tomorrow. I think when it’s working, it won’t be difficult to put in a faster time because even with the problem, I am still one of the fastest. Only Fujiwara is faster by less than one tenth, so if we go in the right direction tomorrow, everything will be under control and it should be possible to take pole.
Michele Pirro – P7 1m42.424s
This track is very difficult for my wrist because it is pushed very hard under the brakes at the hairpin. The feeling in the bike is not so good at the moment and there is a problem with rear grip which makes it a little bit harder for me. Maybe tomorrow we can try a new solution and I am confident that we can improve. I hope the weather is still good to allow this.
Ronald ten Kate – team-manager
It’s been a good start to the weekend for Kenan, who is not only fast over one lap but for many, many laps. For sure there is some room for improvement, so we have to keep on working hard to put him in a good position for the race on Sunday. Michele is struggling a little at the moment but after we compare data, we’ll find some more speed for him tomorrow. I also have to mention Florian Marino, who has had a great season this year in Superstock 600. We’ve rewarded him with a World Supersport ride this weekend and to be in the top 10 in his first qualifying session is just great to see. What is even greater is the big smile on his face!
